US Requests Car Manufacturers to Produce Weapons Due to Depleting Stocks from War
The Pentagon, or the US Department of Defense, has reportedly asked car manufacturers and other manufacturers in the US to help increase weapons production. This comes as the US and its ally Israel have been engaged in war against Iran since late February.
According to detikNews citing Reuters and Anadolu Agency on Friday (17/4/2026), this information was revealed by a leading US media outlet, the Wall Street Journal (WSJ), in its latest report on Wednesday (15/4). The WSJ report quoted several sources said to be knowledgeable about the current situation.
The WSJ report stated that Pentagon officials have discussed with several major US car producers, including General Motors and Ford Motor, along with other manufacturers, as an effort to replenish the dwindling ammunition stockpiles.
The media also mentioned that the administration of President Donald Trump wants car producers to take a significant role in military production. Discussions on this matter are said to have begun before the war against Iran erupted.
Pentagon officials are reported to have met with senior executives in the US automotive industry, including General Motors CEO Mary Barra and Ford Motor CEO Jim Farley.
GE Aerospace and vehicle and engine manufacturer Oshkosh are also involved in talks with Pentagon officials.
Quoting WSJ sources, the war against Iran and support for Ukraine have reduced US ammunition supplies. Therefore, the Pentagon is considering involving automotive companies in the process.
In its report, the WSJ stated that US car manufacturers are needed to support traditional defence contractors. These US car producers were also asked if they could quickly switch to defence work.
Reuters could not independently verify the report immediately. General Motors, Ford Motor, GE Aerospace, and Oshkosh have not yet responded regarding the WSJ report.
According to an unnamed Pentagon official to Reuters, the US Department of Defense is “committed to rapidly expanding the defence industrial base, leveraging all available commercial solutions and technologies to ensure our warfighters maintain their decisive edge.”
Since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022 and Israel attacked the Gaza Strip in 2023, the US has deployed billions of dollars worth of weapons supplies, including artillery systems, ammunition, and anti-tank missiles. This month, Trump requested a massive military budget increase of US$500 billion, bringing it to US$1.5 trillion, amid the US war against Iran.